Download Crop Module: Fruit (bush)

Crop Module: Fruit (bush)
Effective 1st September 2015
Welcome
T
his crop specific module for bush fruit has been
written to complement and avoid duplicating
the generic principles of the Red Tractor Farm
Assurance Fresh Produce Scheme standards. It is
advisable to read the Red Tractor Farm Assurance
Fresh Produce standards before reading this crop
specific module. This module is designed to stimulate
thought in the mind of the reader. It contains crop
specific guidance and standards, where applicable, in
addition to the requirements stated in the generic Fresh
Produce standards.
Within this module the important requirements outlined
in the crop specific standards section will be verified
during the Red Tractor Farm Assurance assessment and
compliance will form a part of the certification/approval
decision.
Disclaimer and trade mark acknowledgement
Although every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, Assured Food Standards does not accept any
responsibility for errors and omissions. Trade names
are only used in this module where use of that specific
product is essential. All such products are annotated®
and all trademark rights are hereby acknowledged.
Notes: Pesticide Information
General Introduction
Following a systematic approach will help growers identify
and manage the risks involved in crop production. This
module is based on a typical crop production process and
food safety, health & safety, environmental and quality
hazards are identified. Appropriate controls may then
be established to minimise risk. Food safety and health
& safety issues always take precedent over quality and
environmental controls. The layout of this module follows
the same structure as that used in the Red Tractor Farm
Assurance Fresh Produce Standards. The content of the
module is reviewed prior to the issue of updated editions.
The review process considers both new developments
and all relevant technology which has emerged since the
last review was completed and which have been found
to be both workable by the grower and beneficial to the
environment. The aim is to transfer such information and
technologies to growers.
Acknowledgements
Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce gratefully
acknowledges the contribution of all consultees in
the preparation of this protocol, particularly members
of British Summer Fruits, John Atwood of ADAS UK
Ltd and Rob Saunders of Suntory.
The Red Tractor Fresh Produce team has been working
with Fera to provide tailored access to the LIAISON
database for all Red Tractor Fresh Produce members.
This system allows individual growers access to all
information for plant protection products approved for
use under the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Scheme.
LIAISON can be accessed under the Produce tab via the
“Checkers and Services” page where you will also find
a user manual. Searches will be filtered specifically for
the crops for which you are registered. Once you have
logged onto the site and clicked on the LIAISON hyperlink
you will be directed to the LIAISON home screen.
You will need a username and password and these will
be sent once you have registered:
http://assurance.redtractor.org.uk/rtassurance/
services/Registration/members.eb .
1
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
Content
Contents
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AGAINST CURRENT STANDARDS 02
CROP SPECIFIC STANDARDS02
SITE AND SOIL MANAGEMENT 03
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONTAMINATION CONTROL04
NUTRITION07
IRRIGATION07
HARVEST AND STORAGE08
RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS08
APPENDIX 1: TYPICAL FERTILISER APPLICATIONS FOR BLACKCURRANTS09
APPENDIX 2: GUIDELINES ON MINIMISING PESTICIDE RESIDUES10
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AGAINST CURRENT STANDARDS
STANDARDS
HOW YOU WILL BE MEASURED
RECORDS (to be kept
for 2 years)
n
Crop
IM.b
Regular crop inspections must be undertaken
and recorded
inspection
records/ diary notes
and subsequent
recommendations
CROP SPECIFIC STANDARDS
None for this crop module
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
2
GUIDANCE
CHOICE OF VARIETY OR
ROOTSTOCK AND PLANT HEALTH
CERTIFICATION
PLANTING MATERIAL
For successful Ribes production it is vital to plant
stocks which are virus free and of a high health status.
Planting material should be obtained from an approved
nurseryman where the material has been certified under
the Plant Health Propagation Scheme (PHPS) or a
recognisable comparable scheme with quality standards
that meet the specifications for which it is intended.
Where self-propagation of planting material is carried
out (where approved), however limited, it is extremely
important that this material is grown in a manner as to
minimise the risk of infection from viruses and pests from
commercial plantations.
Where growers require assurances from propagators
that plants have been raised under the auspices
of the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce
Scheme, they should request a verification number from
their propagator.
SITE AND SOIL MANAGEMENT
SITE HISTORY
Correct site selection is an important factor if a plantation
is to produce viable yields of optimum quality fruit.
Some blackcurrant varieties require a frost-free site
although most modern varieties have a degree of frost
tolerance. Sites should slope with no obstructions at
the bottom to encourage air drainage. Shelter from cold
winds during flowering is important; to prevent physical
damage and to encourage a warmer microclimate that
in turn will encourage pollination and the presence of
pollinating insects.
3
Phomopsis dead arm such as Ben Tirran, Ben Dorain and
Ben Avon should only be grown on the best soil types,
preferably with irrigation to avoid stress. Gooseberries
are less tolerant of heavy soils than blackcurrants. A
well-maintained drainage system will reduce the impact
of some of these problems.
Adequate soil preparation prior to the planting of new
material is important to maintain soil structure. Cultivation
of very dry soil can result in slumping and capping while
cultivation of excessively wet soil can result in smearing
and compaction. These problems can significantly
reduce the success of establishment.
When selecting fields for bush fruit production,
consideration should be given to soil structure, drainage,
texture, pH, depth, air movement, exposure of the site to
prevailing winds, susceptibility to spring frosts, incidence
of perennial weeds and proximity of other bush fruit
plantations with existing levels of pests and disease.
ROTATIONS
Previous cropping
Previous cropping and incidence of perennial weeds
should be considered when siting new plantations. Where
grass or blackcurrants have been grown previously,
a nematode test should be undertaken to assess
populations of free-living root feeding nematode species
e.g. Pratylenchus that can cause growth stunting.
Avoid planting blackcurrants where vine weevil
populations have been found in any previous crop. A
break crop can substantially reduce numbers and will
allow a far better establishment.
Where Armillaria has been known to exist, then
blackcurrants should not be planted until 10 years after
the last known host crop has been removed.
The most important factor when considering a site is
the proximity of other plantations, particularly if, in the
case of blackcurrants, they are infested with blackcurrant
gall mite. Consideration should be given to the level of
infestation and the intended variety that is to be planted.
New plantations should not be planted adjacent to an
existing plantation unless, it is itself a young plantation.
Ideally new sites should be planted as far as reasonably
possible from existing plantations.
Rotations
Blackcurrants can be grown on a wide range of soil
types, though lighter soils will require the provision of
irrigation. Pure sands should be avoided due to poor
availability of water. Heavy clays are also unsuitable
due to possible problems of compaction, poor aeration
and waterlogging. Blackcurrant varieties susceptible to
Soil sterilisation
Ideally blackcurrant crops should be rotated. In practice,
with the problems of gall mite and the reduction in
the life of plantations this is proving more difficult to
accommodate. If a plantation has to be replanted, then
there should be a minimum break of one year at least
to give an opportunity to control perennial weeds or
regrowth of old roots and debris.
Soil sterilisation is not practised in the commercial
production of blackcurrants as crop rotation is cheaper,
easier and more efficient. Site selection plays a far more
important role in controlling pests and diseases.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION &
CONTAMINATION CONTROL
PEST, DISEASE AND WEED CONTROL
Pests and diseases
Introduction
Experience suggests that an integrated approach with
emphasis on prevention rather than cure give the best
results. In this way, pesticide inputs can be minimised.
The insect pests and diseases causing greatest
yield and quality loss to blackcurrants are gall mite/
reversion, aphid, sawfly, leaf-curling midge, vine weevil,
two-spotted spider mite, capsids, tortrix caterpillar,
winter moth, powdery mildew, Phomopsis (dead arm),
Botrytis and leaf spot.
The insect pests and diseases causing greatest yield and
quality loss to gooseberries and Redcurrants are vine
weevil, gooseberry sawfly, powdery mildew, Botrytis, leaf
spot, Phytophthora root rot and Eutypa (dead arm).
An integrated approach should be adopted to
achieve optimum control involving the following
management steps.
Good management and planning
a. Careful site selection is important
b. Crop rotations to reduce the build-up of pest and
disease infestations
c. Where appropriate use varieties that are resistant or
partially resistant to pests and disease
Cultural prevention techniques
1. Roguing is an important practice to identify and then
remove those bushes which have been infected
with the “reversion” virus. Ideally the emerging
flower buds (the “grapes”) should be inspected just
prior to flowering and the leaves inspected during
fruit development.
2. Promoting crop health by reducing stress through
good irrigation scheduling whilst optimising nutrient
availability through soil analysis (and leaf where
necessary) and the appropriate and accurate
application of fertiliser.
Corrective action
Where the above have failed, adopt the following
approach:
a. Regular monitoring is important to identify problems
in their early stages, which are then more capable
of being controlled. The effect of prevailing weather
conditions should also be considered.
b. Where corrective action is required, biological and
natural methods of pest and disease control, if
available, must be considered. Where thresholds
have been established then these should be
referred to.
c. Where biological or natural control is not possible,
chemical control, if available should be used, whilst
always considering the following:
n
Use
the least toxic and persistent product with due
respect to its ecotoxicity
n
Use
the most selective product to biological control
agents and naturally occurring beneficial organisms
such as bees and other pollinating insects
n
Use
appropriate
application
methods
with
effectively maintained equipment, and spot treating
wherever possible.
Cultural control
i. Site selection
Powdery mildew, Botrytis and leaf spot are the
principal diseases that affect blackcurrants. Site
selection has limited effect on these diseases
however, it is unwise to plant a new crop adjacent to
one which is particularly prone to powdery mildew or
leaf spot. For Botrytis, it is important to choose a site
with good air movement and circulation to prevent
the build-up of moist air.
Where possible avoid planting blackcurrants close
to an existing plantation which is infested with big
bud mite. Crops should not be planted on sites
with existing infestations of vine weevil or adjacent
to crops such as strawberries, ornamentals, or
blackcurrant crops, which are known to be infested.
Gooseberry crops should not be planted on sites with
existing infestations of vine weevil or adjacent to crops
such as strawberries, blackcurrants, ornamentals or
other redcurrant or gooseberry crops that are known
to be infected. Sites where gooseberries have been
previously lost to Phytophthora infection should also
not be used.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
4
ii. Rotations
It is unwise to replant an old plantation with existing
infestation of vine weevil, or nematodes. Always
rotate plantations wherever possible.
iii. Machinery/equipment
If fields differ in levels of infection from pest and
diseases it is always better to carry out the mechanical
operations in the least affected plantation first,
leaving the most affected to last thereby minimising
the risk of spreading the infection. It is very easy to
transfer pests from one plantation to another, either
directly on tractors or sprayers, or indirectly by
carrying leaf and flower buds around a farm.
iv. Irrigation
Bushes under stress due to drought and lack of
water uptake are more susceptible to two-spotted
spider mite infestation, as well as some diseases
such as Phomopsis dead arm. Reduce stress by
scheduling irrigation.
In all cases during flowering, any irrigation should
be kept to a minimum to avoid the spread of
Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) on developing flowers.
Furthermore, infection at the flowering stage is
known to initiate the production of ethylene, which
causes “run-off”.
v. Mulches
The use of a mulch is an important aid in the
establishment of new plantations. Where vine
weevil is known to have inhabited a site, however
they are best avoided. Mulching reduces the
need for herbicides in bush row and helps to
conserve moisture.
The use of coloured polythene mulches, through
which the crop is planted, has proved successful
in reducing the need for sterilisation by preventing
weed growth. They also act as a barrier to disease
infection of the lower leaves from the soil and white
mulches improve plant quality through light reflection.
Clear polythene mulches have been shown to
enhance root growth, but these do not provide
weed suppression.
vi.Grass tractor alleys
Ideally the tractor alleys should be grassed down.
This would reduce the levels of compaction caused
by heavy machinery and encourage ground beetles.
Herbicide applications are reduced and soil erosion
is eliminated on slopes. A wider alley might be
required, particularly on strong soils and/or where
vigorous cultivars are to be grown.
5
In practice in high rainfall areas excessive growth
of grass and herbs in the alleyways may lead to
problems of Botrytis and fruit quality, dependent on
varietal habit. In some circumstances, sowing low
vigour grasses or the use of weed free alleyways
may be preferable.
vii.Trash removal
On some farms, sweeping trash from under the bush
is practised. This operation is done at the same
time as pulverising the prunings. Whilst it may have
the effect of reducing overwintering spores on leaf
debris, the main reason is to reveal the bare soil so
residual herbicide activity is far more effective.
Integrated control
This involves the integration of cultural, biological and
chemical control methods to achieve both optimum
control and a reduction in pesticide usage.
Regular crop monitoring is essential at least once every
two weeks during the growing season by specialists
or trained farm staff. The main pests that should be
monitored are aphids, big bud mite, leaf curling midge,
sawfly, two-spotted-spider-mite, vine weevil and woolly
currant scale. Minor pests can also cause damage and
should be monitored as damage occurs.
As yet, few integrated control measures have been
developed for blackcurrant diseases. However, several
principles should be adhered to:
i.There is only one approved biological control
method at present for fungal diseases, Bacillus
subtilis, approved for control of Botrytis. In addition,
the cultural controls outlined above should be
carefully observed.
ii. There are three major diseases. These are
powdery mildew, leaf spot and Botrytis. Established
infections are extremely difficult to eradicate.
Prophylactic chemical treatments will probably
have to be applied. Fortunately most of the major
commercial blackcurrant cultivars are resistant to
powdery mildew.
It is known that there is a greater risk of infection of leaf
spot and Botrytis in wet and warm conditions. Risk of
powdery mildew increases with higher temperatures
up to 25oC then is reduced. Spray intervals and dose
rates can be adapted to suit conditions at the time.
iii. Before applying fungicides, ensure that you use
the product which is safest to the environment,
natural predators and introduced biological control
organisms as well as being efficacious for the
particular disease concerned.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
iv. All applications must be applied within the
parameters given on the product label or extension
of authorisation for minor use (EAMU).
Biological control
The use of predatory and parasitic organisms for crop pest
control has been developed extensively for glasshouse
crops during the past decade. Similar principles are
now being applied to outdoor crops and many predatory
insects (both naturally occurring and introduced)
have now been successfully adopted on outdoor soft
fruit crops.
On blackcurrants however, biocontrol has not been
widely taken up due to the historical reliance upon broad
spectrum insecticides for certain key pests and more
recently the use of lambda-cyhalothrin for leaf midge.
Chemicals such as these are harmful to most beneficial
insects and leaf residues can last for some time. However,
with the increasing use of sulphur products to control
gall mite and the adoption of new varieties resistant
to this pest, the use of biocontrol is now likely to have
more potential.
Some success has been achieved locally, using the
predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to control
two-spotted spider mites. Results in general have
been variable due to fluctuating weather patterns.
Naturally occurring predators include Amblyseius,
Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Syrphidae-hoverfly larva,
Neuroptera-lacewing larva, Coccinellidae-ladybirds
and their larva, Feltiella acarisuga and Typhlodromus
pyri. More recently Beauveria bassiana has become
available to growers for caterpillar and whitefly control in
protected crops.
Grass alleys appear to encourage higher population
levels of Coleoptera-beetles, which are voracious vine
weevil predators that help to maintain vine weevil at a
low level.
The introduction of gall mite and reversion resistant
varieties has enabled an overall reduction in the use
of insecticides, on sites where the pressure from mite
infection is low. This reduction has led to a shift in the
pattern of pest incidence, which in turn has increased
demands on those monitoring the crop. A program of
minimum chemical applications can be balanced with
the use of naturally occurring predators, and it is the
responsibility of all growers to remain in touch with these
developments.
Chemical control
Chemicals should be used as part of an integrated pest
and disease management programme including cultural,
biological and chemical control. Regular monitoring of
bush fruit crops should be made at least fortnightly through
the growing season and a written record must be kept of
observations made and subsequent recommendations.
If a product is to be used under the terms of an existing
EAMU the relevant “Notice of Approval” documents must
be obtained and read before applying the product. At all
other times abide by all label restrictions.
All blackcurrants that are under contract to Suntory will
be subject to samples being taken for residue analysis,
at the point of despatch, during the harvesting period,
with a minimum of one sample per farm. Refer to the
Generic Guidance Notes for details of laboratories. It is
critical that all label recommendations are adhered to so
MRLs are not breached.
Post-harvest
If vine weevil have been found in the crop, it is
recommended that suitable control measures be carried
out at this stage before any replanting.
WEED CONTROL
Cultural control
Cultivations between rows are an acceptable method of
weed control on bare soil crops.
Polythene soil mulches may be used to suppress
weeds and reduce the need for herbicides. At the
end of the plantation’s commercial life any remaining
non-biodegradable mulch should be removed from the
field, however, this task should ideally have been carried
out during the lifetime of the plantation.
Polythene materials must be disposed of in a legal and
environmentally responsible manner. Do not burn or bury
polythene on the farm. Wherever possible, polythene
materials should be recycled.
Chemical control
The control of weeds using residual and contact
herbicides is practical. However, perennial weeds are
most effectively managed by control prior to planting
using translocated herbicides.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
6
Environmental pollution
NUTRITION
Applications of crop protection chemicals must be
made in such a way which minimises the risk of
environmental pollution.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Where chemical control is being employed, sprays should
not be allowed to contact or drift onto field margins,
ditches, lakes and watercourses. Be aware of the ‘Buffer
Zone’ restrictions which appertain. The restrictions relate
to the proximity of a water course, the type of spray
applicator being employed and the chemical product and
rate being applied.
n
As
a general rule, the buffer zone restriction width for
tractor mounted horizontal boom sprayers is 5 metres
from the top of the bank of the watercourse.
n
This
applies to all pesticide products which are listed
in category A.
n
For
any product listed in Category B, a ‘local
environmental risk assessment for pesticides’ (LERAP)
can be carried out to ascertain whether the buffer zone
can be reduced.
n
A
written record of any calculations carried out must
be kept for future reference.
n
For
broadcast air - assisted applications, the widths
are generally greater (e.g. 18 metres) and can be
even wider, due to the greater potential for spray drift
problems with such applications. Buffer zones may
now be reduced in certain circumstances, where
a LERAP for Broadcast Air-Assisted sprayers has
been undertaken.
n
Always
refer to the DEFRA/CRD publications ‘Local
Environmental Risk Assessment for Pesticides Horizontal Boom Sprayers’ (PB5621) and ‘Local
Environmental Risk Assessment for Pesticides Broadcast Air-Assisted Sprayers’ (PB6533).
APPROVED USES NOT INCLUDED ON THE
PRODUCT LABEL
In many circumstances, particularly for minor crops,
product labels do not include all of the approved uses and
growers wishing to check the approval notice of a particular
product should note that this information is available
using the LIAISON® search accessible via their RED
TRACTOR Farm Assurance home page after logging in.
A search on the ‘Off-Label Approvals’ page of LIAISON®
by crop or product name should yield a results page. A
click on the product name should link to a summary of the
approval information. Near the bottom of the summary is
the off-label number (e.g. 0246/09) and this link will open
up a pdf of the current EAMU document giving details of
the extension of use.
7
Soil types and timing of applications of nutrients should
be considered in order to achieve optimum crop response
with minimal risk of environmental pollution.
Prior to planting, a soil analysis must be carried out to
ascertain existing soil levels of the macronutrients P,
K, Mg and pH levels. Suitable fertilisers can then be
incorporated into the soil. Apply the appropriate rate
of fertiliser for blackcurrants, to the soil for each index
(see Appendix).
For subsequent seasons, soil should be analysed on a
regular basis (1 in 4 years) and the appropriate quantity
of fertiliser applied each year according to the index.
Either straight or compound fertilisers can be applied.
Top dressings of inorganic fertiliser should be made each
year in the spring (March - May). Avoid applying any
nitrogenous fertilisers before this to prevent leaching of
nitrate/nitrogen into watercourses. Where frost protection
is being used apply half the rate at grape stage and the
remainder at fruit set to avoid leaching.
pH
Where soil pH is above 7, micronutrient deficiency
(e.g. iron and manganese) may occur. Leaf analysis
will confirm such problems and foliar or soil application
will be necessary.
If soil pH is significantly below 6, lime or magnesium
limestone can be incorporated pre-planting to bring the
pH up to 6.5. If the soil is very acidic, part of the lime
requirement should be ploughed in and the remainder
applied subsequently.
IRRIGATION
Irrigation can be used for two purposes in blackcurrants.
a. Overhead sprinkler systems can be used to give frost
protection during the flowering period. In the past
this was particularly used with the cultivar Baldwin,
which flowers early, has little frost tolerance and
was regularly damaged by spring frosts. However,
the Scottish-bred varieties, (Ben Avon, Ben Alder
and Ben Tirran), flower later than Baldwin and in
most years’ miss the worst frosts. As these cultivars
give a more consistent yield without frost protection
and because of the high capital cost of installing
a system, frost protected acreage is declining.
Existing installations are now mainly used for the
early flowering cultivar Ben Gairn although this does
has some tolerance to frost.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
b. To obtain good quality fruit, with high yields and also
maintain a good bush structure it is important that
blackcurrants can be irrigated, especially during
periods of low available water capacity (AWC).
It is particularly useful for newly planted cuttings,
which have a poor root system in drought periods.
However, irrigation too close to harvest can reduce
fruit brix levels and so should be avoided on
processing crops.
Irrigation is best applied using low level tape or pipe.
However, because of the difficulty in maintaining the
system over the life of the plantation, overhead irrigation
with either rain guns or the static frost protection system
is more widely used. Irrigation scheduling can be carried
out using soil moisture monitoring devices. In this way,
water can be applied at the optimum time. Irrigation
should always be scheduled to operate at below field
capacity to avoid leaching of nutrients.
If frost protection is not required overhead irrigation
should be avoided during flowering. This can not only
cause physical damage, but also lead to the development
of Botrytis fruit rot. If frost protection is necessary,
obviously watering is unavoidable and approved
fungicides should be used for protection against Botrytis.
For gooseberries overhead sprinkler systems can be
used to give frost protection during the flowering period.
This system is not widely used by growers although is
effective for gooseberries which flower at a time of year
when frosts are prevalent. It is also effective for early
flowering Redcurrant cultivars such as Junifer, Jonkheer
Van Tets and Red Lake. Later flowering cultivars, such
as Redstart, Rondom and Rovada, are less prone to
frost and protection is considered less necessary.
HARVEST AND STORAGE
Smoking must not be allowed in the blackcurrant
plantation. All picking staff should be carefully
supervised to ensure only quality fruit is picked and that
high standards of personal hygiene are observed. It is
advisable that all harvested fruit should be kept under
shade at the collection point and removed from the field
within 45 minutes of picking. During very hot weather,
harvesting warm fruit into large containers ‘traps’ the field
heat, very significantly reducing shelf-life and making
rapid freezing impossible. These problems may be
alleviated by avoiding harvesting in the heat of the day.
ACB is found in most soil types throughout the world.
Growers should take all reasonable steps to reduce soil
contamination, and where possible avoid harvesting
fruit that has been growing close to the ground or
subject to soil splash. Post-harvest transportation and
storage procedures should be managed so that fruit and
containers do not become contaminated with soil or dust.
It should be assumed that all water can contain ACB, and
some water sources, such as condensate water from
evaporators, represent a particular risk as evaporators
can provide conditions that promote ACB growth and
spore formation. Those responsible for container
washing should take steps to verify the microbiological
suitability of the water being used, so that washed
containers do not, in themselves, become a source of
ACB contamination.
RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS
Red Tractor Farm Assurance Fresh Produce is aware
that a key area in the production of fresh produce which
requires continued attention by growers and their advisers
is that of keeping pesticide residues to a minimum. This
issue is not just one of meeting the MRL trading standard
but ensuring that any individual or multi residues are kept
as low as possible below this level.
The key targets are:
n
Optimising late applications of fungicides
insecticides to the edible part of the crop
n
Optimising
n
Ensuring
and
the use of post-harvest treatments
minimum harvest intervals are followed
n
Ensuring
that application equipment is applying
products correctly
See Appendix for the pesticide targets and guidelines on
this crop.
Alicyclobacillus species (ACB) are a heat and acid
tolerant, spore forming bacteria that are thought to be a
significant cause of fruit and juice spoilage, giving rise to
off-flavours. ACB is not known to pose a safety hazard,
but it is logical to apply HACCP principles to minimising
its occurrence.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
8
APPENDIX 1: TYPICAL FERTILISER APPLICATIONS FOR
BLACKCURRANTS (KG/HA)
Nutrient (kg/ha)
Soil Index
0
1
2
3
3+
nil
nil
nil
nil
nil
Phosphate(P2O5)
200
100
50
50
nil
Potash (K2O)
200
100
50
nil
nil
Magnesium (Mg)
165
125
85
nil
nil
Nitrogen (N)
Base dressings of macronutrients should be made prior to planting. Well-rotted bulky organic manures can be applied
and incorporated to improve soil structure of all soil types and improve the water holding capacity of light soils.
However, bear in mind that these manures contain nutrients and fertiliser applications should be reduced according
to the following table for each tonne or cubic metre of material applied.
N
P2 O5
K 2O
Mg
6.0
2.1
7.2
0.7
3.0
0.6
3.2
0.7
Pig
4.0
1.0
2.3
0.4
Poultry
(Layer manure)
16.0
7.8
8.1
2.2
Cattle Farm manure (kg/t)
Undiluted slurry (1) (kg/m3)
Cow (Dairy)
Note:
(1)
Adjust the values if diluted.
For full details of all fertiliser recommendations, see the DEFRA publication ‘Fertiliser Recommendations for Agricultural
and Horticultural Crops (RB209).
After Planting
Nutrient (kg/ha)
Soil Index
0
1
2
3
3+
70-140
70-140
70-140
70-140
70-140
Phosphate(P2O5)
110
70
40
40
nil
Potash (K2O)
250
180
120
60
nil
Magnesium (Mg)
60
40
30
nil
nil
Magnesium (Mg)
(for gooseberries)
100
65
50
nil
nil
Nitrogen
Lower applications of nitrogen can be used on blackcurrant cultivars prone to excessive growth (e.g. Ben Hope)
and other bush fruit. Routine soil analyses should be carried out during the life of the plantation and top dressings of
fertiliser applied according to the results of soil analysis indices.
9
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
APPENDIX 2: GUIDELINES ON MINIMISING PESTICIDE RESIDUES
These guidelines have been produced after consultation between crop stakeholders and the RT Fresh Produce crop
author. They will be developed over the coming seasons as knowledge on minimising residues develops. Growers
should consult with their crop protection adviser to ensure other best practices are not compromised before considering
these guidelines. Consumers and retail customers are raising increasing concerns over the incidence of pesticide
residues occurring in fresh produce. Their desire to purchase produce that is free from residues has necessitated
bush fruit growers to consider ways and means of minimising the risk of any residues from occurring in their
harvested product.
RT Fresh Produce, in consultation with technical representatives from all of the major marketing groups and producer
organisations has considered the problems facing the bush fruit industry. Having identified a list of these active
ingredients, they have formulated guidance notes on potential crop protection and crop management strategies that
growers may wish to follow to minimise the risk of residues occurring.
Active Ingredients Found in UK bush fruit
Following good agricultural practice and integrated crop management should prevent growers from exceeding any set
Maximum Residue Levels (MRL’s) in the first place. The table below lists those active ingredients commonly found
in residue analyses conducted in bush fruit crops. It is not a list of incidences where MRL’s are exceeded, but where
residues are reported between the MRL and the limit of detection. Each has a star rating, depending upon either
the frequency with which they are found or the risk of residues being found. Where an active ingredient is not listed,
this indicates that either it gives rise to a detectable residue very rarely, or insufficient information is available for
its inclusion:
Crop
Chemical type
Bush fruit
Fungicide Insecticides
Active Ingredient
Typical Product Name
H.I.Days
Star Rating
myclobutanil
Systhane 20EW
14
***
pyrimethanil
Scala
21
**
bupirimate
Nimrod
7-14
*
boscalid
Signum
3-14
***
fenhexamid
Teldor
7
**
cyprodinil +
fludioxonil
Switch
10
***
chlorpyrifos
Equity, Dursban WG etc
14
**
pirimicarb
Aphox
3
**
*** Residues at high risk or found regularly in samples
Possible Solutions to Minimise these Residues
**
Residues at medium risk or found less regularly
in samples
A number of suggestions have been formulated to
minimise the risk of some of these active ingredients
occurring in residue analyses for both insecticides and
fungicides. Suggestions have only been offered where
a strategy is considered to be reasonable and can be
practically achieved.
*
Residues at lower risk but found occasionally
in samples
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
10
FUNGICIDES
INSECTICIDES
Botrytis
Aphids
Aim to establish the best possible control of Botrytis at
flowering. Late season applications of botryticides are
more likely to give rise to residues, and are difficult to
apply in bushes that are weighed down with crop. In this
situation it is almost impossible to achieve good cover,
and the physical damage caused by driving through
the crop may well make subsequent infection worse
by damaging tissues. If Botrytis infection has occurred
at flowering and is ‘latent’ within the fruit, late fungicide
applications will not ever come into contact with the
pathogen, and will be entirely ineffective.
Aphid outbreaks prompt the use of both chlorpyrifos
and pirimicarb in affected plantations. Recent research
in blackcurrants has shown that the aphid population
over-winters in the plantation and as a result the severity
of aphid infestation the following season can be markedly
reduced by an application of pirimicarb during the last
week of September or the first week of October.
Botrytis pressure increases with bush size and age.
Moderate fertiliser and water application, pruning to
reduce bush density or width, removal of low hanging
branches and replanting when bush age becomes
excessive, are all practices which reduce disease
pressure. Aim to make the last pyrimethanil and
cyprodinil + fludioxonil applications no later than the end
of flowering.
Sawfly is an intractable pest that has led to the use of
chlorpyrifos during the ‘green fruit’ stage. Treatment
is more likely to be effective and later re-treatment
unnecessary, where excellent control is achieved as soon
as the outbreak is detected. Frequent careful monitoring
of the underside of the lower leaves in the centre of the
bushes will detect infestation at an early stage, and
prompt treatment with chlorpyrifos, in sufficient water to
give excellent cover, often obviates the need to re-treat
closer to harvest.
Leaf Spot
Improved Crop Monitoring
Aim to establish the best possible control of leaf spot
before the disease becomes established. Where this
is done successfully, protectant sprays can cease well
before harvest.
One way of ensuring that agrochemicals are applied at
the optimum time and only when necessary (to avoid
the use of unnecessary applications), is to rely upon
high quality, routine crop monitoring. Ideally, crops
should be assessed every week during key times, for
the commonly found insect pests and diseases, as
opposed to the fortnightly inspections that is currently
the industry standard. This is particularly important early
in the season. At this stage, should specific insect pests
or diseases appear early curative and preventive action
can be taken to avoid the use of applications later in
the season, closer to harvest, thus reducing the risk of
residues occurring.
Rust
Delay myclobutanil treatments for rust until after harvest.
Though rust can be detected at low levels in many
crops for much of the season, rust epidemics typically
don’t become serious until after harvest, and a postharvest application of myclobutanil is usually sufficient
to prevent outbreaks becoming significant and causing
premature defoliation.
11
Sawfly
Where such monitoring is conducted, it is wise to employ
record sheets to log any problems which were found
each week, record the choice of agrochemical, the date
it was applied and why it was applied. At the end of
the season, this allows growers to relate any residues
that have occurred to the chemical application and the
monitoring procedure, thus allowing the effectiveness of
the monitoring to be assessed.
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
NOTES
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
12
NOTES
13
Red Tractor Assurance for Farms – Crop-specific Module: Fruit (bush)
© Assured Food Standards 2015
Certification Bodies
Your routine point of contact with the Scheme is through your Certification Body.
Certification Bodies are licensed by Red Tractor to manage membership applications and to carry out assessment
and certification against the Standards. The table below shows which Certification Bodies apply to each enterprise.
Certification Body
NSF
Kiwa PAI
SAI Global
SFQC
Beef and
Lamb
Dairy
Combinable
Crops and
Sugar Beet
Fresh
Produce
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
NIFCC
(Northern Ireland)
4
QWFC (Wales)
4
Pigs
Poultry
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
NSF Certification
Kiwa PAI
Hanborough Business Park
Long Hanborough
Oxford OX29 8SJ
Tel: 01993 885739
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nsf-foodeurope.com
The Inspire,
Hornbeam Square West, Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG2 8PA
Tel: 01423 878878
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kiwa.co.uk/pai
SAI Global Assurance
Services Ltd
PO Box 6236,
Milton Keynes MK1 9ES
Tel: 01908 249973
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.saiglobal.com/assurance
QWFC
SFQC Ltd
NIFCC [Northern Ireland]
QWFC [Wales]
Royal Highland Centre,
10th Avenue, Ingliston,
Edinburgh EH28 8NF
Tel: 0131 335 6605
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sfqc.co.uk
Lissue House,
31 Ballinderry Rd, Lisburn,
Northern Ireland BT28 2SL
Tel: 028 9263 3017
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nifcc.co.uk
PO Box 8, Gorseland,
North Road
Aberystwyth SY23 2WB
Tel: 01970 636688
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wlbp.co.uk
T: 01932 589 800
E: [email protected]
www.redtractorassurance.org.uk
Fresh Produce
Standards